Barbara A. Dana

1921 - 2024

Barbara Agnes Dana was born on August 19, 1921, and passed away on September 10, 2024. She was a resident of San Mateo, California for 76 years. She was the wife of Sam Paul Dana for 62 years. They had 3 children: Thomas Anthony Dana of Carson City, Nevada, Paul Martin Dana (deceased) of San Mateo, and Marianne Lynne Dana of Folsom, California. She had six grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. Barbara, an only child, was raised in Vallejo, California by both her father, Henry Houghton, and mother, Agnes Houghton.

Barbara grew up in Vallejo where she attended St. Vincent's Grammar and High School. She participated in school club activities and was a key player on the school's girls' basketball team. Later on, she attended Heald's Business School in San Francisco where she eventually met her husband, Sam Dana of San Francisco and married in October of 1942.

In addition to being a homemaker and wife, Barbara worked in a part - time job as a clerical accountant for Dougherty Realty in San Mateo for over 20 years. In her spare time, she did sorority volunteer work putting together fashion shows and benefits to raise money for local charities. After retirement, she became an avid golfer, and became involved with the Women's Meadowlarks Club, where she enjoyed many golf activities and events with her friends. Barbara also enjoyed traveling, enjoying numerous cruises with her friends, and trips to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Mexico, and the eastern United States. Barbara was a wonderful mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in San Mateo on Friday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by a graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's name can be sent to her lifelong favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.